Hundreds of volunteers rolled up their sleeves Friday evening to mark a milestone of one of United Way of Berks County’s largest anti-hunger efforts.
About 500 volunteers gathered at Penn State Berks for the 10th annual Big Cheese community food-packing initiative. Working assembly-line style inside the Beaver Athletics and Wellness Center, they packed 250,000 nutritionally fortified meals that will be distributed to local families facing food insecurity.
The meals, consisting of macaroni and cheese and apple cinnamon oatmeal, will be distributed through Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank. A portion also will be allocated directly to the Reading School District to assist students in need throughout the year.
“For 10 years, United Way Big Cheese volunteers have shown what it means to make a difference, giving their time, their energy and their hearts so that families in our community do not have to face hunger alone,” Tammy White, president of the local United Way, said in a statement. “Because of their generosity, 250,000 meals will reach neighbors across Berks County.”
White said the event demonstrates the impact that can be achieved when community members work together to address hunger and support vulnerable residents.
The annual event brings together volunteers from businesses, nonprofit organizations, schools and community groups. Participants spend several hours packaging the shelf-stable meals that can be prepared quickly by families struggling to put food on the table.
About 500 volunteers gathered at Penn State Berks for United Way of Berks County’s 10th annual Big Cheese community food-packing initiative on Friday. The 250,000 macaroni and cheese and apple cinnamon oatmeal meals will be distributed through Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank and the Reading School District. (Courtesy of United Way of Berks County)
Each meal contains dry ingredients that make approximately six servings and costs about 25 cents to produce.
The United Way again partnered in the effort with The Outreach Program, a national nonprofit organization that supports community food-packing events across the country.
Funding for the event is provided through United Way’s Community Impact budget along with support from corporate and community partners. White expressed particular gratitude to FirstEnergy Foundation, American Crane and Equipment Corp., Members 1st Federal Credit Union and Giant for helping make the event possible.